Seacoast Equine

02/02/2023

As we schedule your horse's spring vaccine appointments, please call the office to make sure we have your correct billing information on file after our software transfer. Payment information encrypted in the old system was unable to be transferred so this information will need to be updated prior to or at the time of appointments this spring.

10/01/2023

A new year brings a new updated software system for our records keeping! As we switch to our new program we may ask our clients to update & confirm information in their files at the appointment. Invoices, reports, reminders, and receipts will look different as they will be emailed directly from our new program. Thank you for your patience while we switch over to our new software!

09/12/2022

DO YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN IN PLACE FOR YOUR HORSE?

If you own horses long enough, sooner or later you are likely to be confronted with a medical emergency. Are you prepared to act? Having a clear emergency action plan will help you stay focused and effective if a crisis strikes.

Below are some basic guidelines that can help you prepare for an equine emergency:
1. Know how to reach your regular veterinarian after hours. Ask about a back-up or referring veterinarian in case your regular horse doctor is not available for emergencies.
2. Have a plan for transporting the horse is necessary and know in advance the most direct route to an equine surgery center.
3. Prepare a first aid kit (see graphic for a short list of essential items) and store it in a clean, dry, readily accessible place. Keep a first aid kit in your horse trailer or towing vehicle as well, and be sure to check your supplies periodically and restock as needed. First-aid kits can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like; seek your horse doctor's advice on what to add, especially regarding any drugs that could be included and how they should be administered.

03/12/2022

: Did you know a horse with a moderate hair coat starts requiring additional calories for body temperature regulation when the outside temperature drops to approximately 50°F?

Cold weather prompts special considerations for your horse's diet and care, particularly when it comes to the older members of the herd; consult your primary horse doctor to formulate a plan to keep your horses happy and healthy this winter! For more tips, visit https://aaep.org/horsehealth/cold-weather-nutrition

11/11/2022

The term "fat leg" is pretty self-explanatory, but do you know the difference between stocking up and cellulitis?

Many horses will "stock up" with subcutaneous edema (fluid swelling) in two or more legs (usually the hind limbs). Stocking up generally results from a significant decrease in exercise and usually resolves as the horse starts exercising again.

Lymphangitis (or vasculitis, big leg disease, staph infection, or cellulitis), however, is a bacterial infection and a dramatically different condition. While its causes may vary, it’s easy to spot once it sets in: the swelling will be extreme, hot and very painful to the touch, and the horse will be depressed due to the fever and discomfort.

If you think your equine friend has cellulitis or even if you're not sure, we encourage you to seek professional help promptly. Your horse doctor will make the best treatment recommendations, both to reduce swelling and to address any sort of bacterial infection that might be active or that could occur due to the edema in the soft tissue.

Read more on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/lymphangitis-frustrating-condition

08/11/2022

Does your horse have asthma? Find out how you can help him using management and environmental changes.

04/11/2022

https://equusmagazine.com/behavior/why-do-horses-rub-their-tails/?fbclid=IwAR3LzxB-CBU0mnychPz1vgaZLKjRsTtiWtzCtFDCAZlgzfNw03-JQqqZs08

My mare has been rubbing her tail against her stall wall. She is on a deworming program, which includes regular f***l egg counts, so I can’t imagine it’s related to parasites. What else might be causing her to do this? (She doesn’t do it when she’s in the field, only in her stall.)

24/10/2022

Espophageal obstruction, or “choke,” is a common equine emergency but can look alarming, especially if you've never seen it before. Unlike in human medicine, where choking refers to a tracheal (or windpipe) obstruction, choke in horses refers to an obstruction of the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

Most commonly, choking occurs when horses eat concentrated feed too quickly without chewing it appropriately, which results in a firm bolus lodged in the animal's esophagus. However, esophageal obstruction can also occur with hay or straw, hard treats, carrots, or nonfood objects. Poor dentition, which leads to inadequate chewing, is also a frequent cause of choke.

While common, chokes can have serious consequences so be sure to call your veterinarian as soon as you notice signs of choke. A bad choke is fairly obvious to both veterinarians and horse owners, but a mild choke could be confused with an upper respiratory tract infection or colic.

Read more about this condition on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/understanding-choke-horses

18/10/2022

A nutritionist explains the importance of hydration, fiber, and caloric intake during the winter months.

06/09/2022

Ready or not, fall is right around the corner! As a horse owner, the best part about this time of the year is knowing we won't have to deal with as many insect-related issues. However, now is also the time to start thinking about housing, nutrition and preventative health strategies suitable for the arrival of winter.

Your equine veterinarian is one of your greatest allies this season: be sure to give them a call soon to discuss vaccination and deworming protocols appropriate for your horse’s situation; use this opportunity to chat about recommended changes in nutrition and exercise program as well!

23/08/2022

Equine ulcers have long been a common concern for horse owners. Our understanding of ulcers has dramatically improved over time through medical advancement, and there is currently more nuance to the diagnostics, treatment, and management of horses suffering from these internal sores. Gastroscopy and...

01/08/2022

HOOF ABSCESSES EXPLAINED

Sooner or later, nearly all horse owners will deal with a hoof abscess. But what does "hoof abscess" actually mean?

Although most commonly seen during the wet winter and spring months, hoof abscesses can plague horses year-round and usually occur when debris and bacteria enter the foot through hoof cracks and wounds, even horseshoeing holes. The bacteria then get trapped between the sensitive laminae (the tissue layer that bonds the hoof capsule to the coffin bone) and the hoof wall or sole and create pus; the pus builds up over the course of time and puts pressure behind the hoof wall or sole, until it causes the sudden onset of acute lameness when the pain finally becomes too great.
(The diagram below shows a simplified view of the equine hoof to help you visualize the structures involved in this process.)

Hoof abscesses can mimic other more serious diseases or injuries, so involving your veterinarian early on in the diagnosis and prompt treatment of this condition is always a good idea. Some abscesses will be uncomplicated and rupture on their own like a large pimple at the coronary band or heel bulbs; other abscesses, however, could require radiographs and will need to be surgically drained.

Read more about hoof abscesses on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/hoof-abscesses

21/06/2022

Happy first day of Summer! ’Tis the season for longer days at the barn, fun in the sun with your horse (remember to keep both of you hydrated!) and also, unfortunately, for a plethora of insects that become more active and numerous with the warmer temperatures.

Besides being very irritating, some of these bugs can spread infection and disease to your horse (and, in some cases, to you as well). Therefore, a very smart strategy is to control the problem before it gets out of hand, and minimize populations from the beginning.

The attached infographic contains some suggestions to get you started. Please keep in mind that there are many variations of these suggested programs that will still meet the same goals and follow the same principles.

If you’re interested in reading more about external parasites and vector control, comprehensive guidelines are available on our website at https://aaep.org/guidelines/external-parasite-and-vector-control-guidelines. As always, contact your veterinarian for more information and recommendations suitable for your horse’s specific situation!

13/06/2022

Following up on last week’s popular post regarding heat stress in horses, and in preparation of the hot temperatures headed our way, today we are going to debunk the myth that allowing a hot, sweaty horse to drink cold water could lead to colic, founder or tie up.

The notion that a hot, recently exercised horse needs to cool down before drinking water is indeed a myth, so be advised that it is best to rehydrate sweaty, hardworking horses without delay. The key, however, is to know how much water to allow at one time! Because of the equine stomach’s relatively small capacity, offer small amounts of water every 20 minutes until the horse drinks his fill rather than letting the animal drink it all at once. A slower reintroduction of water is good common sense, while it makes no sense to hold horses off it.

Remember that water is the most vital nutrient for a horse. The average idle 1,100-pound horse in a cool environment will drink 6 to 10 gallons of water per day, but that amount may easily double or triple in a hot environment! Therefore, it goes without saying that providing cool, clean water to your horses at ALL times is of paramount importance.

Source: Equus Magazine and AAEP member Dr. Anthony Blikslager. More information about offering a horse water can be found at https://equusmagazine.com/horse-care/offering-a-horse-water-after-exercise-8622/

09/06/2022

As temperatures keep climbing, here is your reminder to pay close attention to signs of heat stress in your horse this summer. ☀️🐴

Signs of heat stroke may range from mild to severe and life-threatening. Foals usually cannot take as much heat as adult horses. A mare may be fine, but her foal may be getting sick from being out on a hot day. Horses with heavy muscling or excess fat or in poor condition will have more problems. Keep in mind that exercise is a major source of body heat and that strenuous work on a hot, humid day can lead to problems in a short period of time for even the best-conditioned horse.

Does this mean you should not ride on a hot day? Not necessarily. It just means you should take precautions and use your common sense. Remain vigilant for dehydration and signs of heat exhaustion, as heat exhaustion should not be underestimated and can advance to heat stroke quickly. Above all, be kind and attentive to your equine partner’s need. If you feel hot, they feel hotter. So if they look tired—it’s time for a drink, a cold bath, and a break in the shade.

As always, consult your primary veterinarian for more tips tailored to your specific horse’s situation! Read more about heat stroke on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/heat-stroke

09/06/2022

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR AN EQUINE EMERGENCY?

There’s never a good time to get hurt, but horses (and kids) seem to have a special knack for always choosing the least convenient time—and the most spectacular ways—to get injured. As a horse owner, you must know how to recognize serious problems and respond promptly.

Regardless of the situation, it's important to remember these points:
1. Keep the horse as calm as possible. Your own calm behavior will help achieve this.
2. Move the animal to a safe area where it is unlikely to be injured should it go down.
3. Get someone to help you, and delegate responsibilities, such as calling the veterinarian, retrieving the first aid kit, holding the horse, etc.
4. Notify your veterinarian immediately. Be prepared to provide specific information about the horse's condition, and other data that will help your practitioner assess the immediacy of the danger and instruct you in how to proceed.
5. Listen closely and follow your equine practitioner's instructions.
6. Do not administer drugs, especially tranquilizers or sedatives, unless specifically instructed to do so by the veterinarian.

Preparation will help you stay calm in the event of a real emergency so be sure to not skip this step! By acting quickly and promptly, you can minimize the consequences of an injury or illness. For more tips about emergency care, ask your equine veterinarian or visit https://aaep.org/horsehealth/guidelines-follow-during-equine-emergencies

26/05/2022

21/05/2022

Transport stress is a known risk factor for the development of respiratory disease following long-distance travel. It is generally advised […]

20/05/2022

Did you know that horses can get sunburns too?

That’s right: Horses, like humans, can be at risk for the skin damage and discomfort that accompany a sunburn, especially on the non-pigmented pink-skinned areas of the body. The breeds that most frequently suffer from sunburn include Paints, Pintos, and Appaloosas, as well as many cremellos and other horses with pale coat colors.

Sunburn is most frequently seen in areas where the skin is more sensitive — like around the eyes and on the muzzle of pale or white-faced horses — and horses prone to recurrent sunburn also have an increased likelihood of developing squamous cell carcinoma (a common cancer).

To reduce the risk of sunburn, the best advice is to avoid sun exposure when possible. This is often achieved by stabling the horse during the day and allowing him to graze from dusk to dawn.
Another preventive option is the use of a full-face fly mask, or a full-body fly sheet for horses with large areas of white over the back and trunk, as many of these products come with UV protection.
Lots of people use use human products, such as children’s sunscreens, on their horses, however the product needs to be reapplied often to fully effective (just an on people).

If your horse is susceptible to sunburn, contact your veterinarian for more information about sun damage and recommendations to keep your animal comfortable. Sunburn recovery in the horse can take months, so taking proactive steps to keep your equine friend protected this summer is in everyone’s best interest!

More information about sunburn and photosensitization is available on our website at https://aaep.org/issue/sunburn-photosensitivity

09/05/2022

The more you know...

Gastric ulcer disease is a very common problem in equines and it affects over 60% of adult horses (depending on age, performance, and evaluated populations). While Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) is more prevalent in high performance horses, it's important to remember that any horse can be affected, as all equines suffer from stress (like traveling, stall confinement, changes in diet, etc.) which over time may result in gastric ulcers.

The signs of ulcers a horse might show are highly variable between individuals, but they usually include variations of "bad behavior" like general grumpiness, reluctance to perform, cribbing and teeth-grinding, tail-swishing and other behaviors suggesting restlessness and physical discomfort. Rough hair coat, weight loss and poor body condition are also common.

If your horse is exhibiting any of these signs, it may be time to consult your veterinarian rather than just chalk them off as behavioral or training issues. Proper diagnosis is crucial to get appropriate treatment started promptly, and your horse doctor will also be able to make recommendations for environmental and management changes that can you help prevent a relapse of ulcers in the future.

More information about EGUS is available on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/equine-gastric-ulcer-syndrome

06/05/2022

Do you have a plan for your horse’s unexpected medical expenses? (Read, for example: can you afford colic surgery if it comes to it?)

Whether a horse is purchased for personal or business reasons, horse ownership represents a significant investment of time, money and resources. While nothing may easy the emotional burden, wise planning can at least help reduce the economic impacts should something happen to your precious companion.

There are many types of coverage available to the horse owner and the conditions can vary widely between companies. Common types of coverage available for horses are listed (but not limited to what you see) in the graphic. Some equine insurers may require an insurance examination certificate signed by a veterinarian before a policy will be issued for a horse, however that does not mean your veterinarian can attest for the insurability of the animal — your veterinarian can only respond to questions of which he or she has direct knowledge, reporting the medical facts to the best of his or her ability.

Regardless of the circumstances, never ask or expect your veterinarian to report a claim to the insurance company or to be an expert with regards to your insurance policy. This is your responsibility as the owner and if you have questions regarding your policy be sure to ask your insurance agent!

Read more about understanding equine insurance on our website at https://aaep.org/issue/understanding-equine-insurance-guidelines-you-should-consider

28/04/2022

The show season + warmer weather combo results, amongst other things, in a lot of traveling horses and most horse owners know that a negative Coggins test is a document required to be able to transport their animals across state lines and enter them in a competitive event (or even board at someone's barn).

But if you’re thinking, “My horse doesn’t travel, does it still need an annual Coggins test?” — the answer is: YES.

A "Coggins" is a blood test that can only be performed by USDA-approved laboratories and checks for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) antibodies in the horse's blood. EIA is a potentially fatal blood-borne infectious viral disease that produces a persistent infection — which means that infected horses become lifelong carriers, as there is no vaccine and no treatment.

EIA is transmitted by biting flies, particularly horseflies, so your horse is at risk even it never travels or lives in a closed herd. If a horse becomes infected, the clinical signs of disease can vary dramatically, from an acute infection with slight to high fever for a few days and perhaps small hemorrhages, to progressive weakness, weight loss, depression, and disorientation. EIA also has an inapparent form; affected horses might only show a slight fever for a day or be totally without clinical signs of the infection.

If a horse tests positive for EIA, they will serve as a lifelong source of disease transmission to other equids; at that point the owner can only choose between quarantine and isolation for the rest of the horse's life (minimum 200 yards away from all other horses), or humane euthanasia.

Take-home message: a Coggins test is a necessary travel document, but it's also first and foremost a way to identify and remove EIA carriers to ensure that large outbreaks of the disease don't take place.

To learn more about EIA, visit our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/equine-infectious-anemia

27/04/2022

As the weather warms up, ticks are becoming more active — which clearly means more chances for your horses (or yourself and your family pets) to encounter this parasite. Despite their diminutive size and appearance, ticks are highly equipped to carry and transmit many serious diseases including Equine Piroplasmosis, Lyme Disease, Equine Granulocytic Anaplasmosis (Ehrlichiosis) and Tick Paralysis, so tick control remains an important management practice for horse owners.

Because ticks infected with serious diseases do not usually transmit those pathogens immediately and often must feed for a period of time before disease transmission, removing them from your horse as soon as possible is important. Check your horses for ticks thoroughly after a ride, and at least daily if they’re out on pasture in order to prevent disease transmission.
From a pasture management perspective, you can decrease the number of ticks your horse may pick up by removing brush and mowing tall grass where ticks like to live, and discouraging wildlife such as deer that tend to reintroduce ticks to grazing areas.

For more information, read the AAEP’s External Parasite and Vector Control Guidelines at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/tick-control-horses. Additional facts about Lyme disease in horses is available on the
 Equine Disease Communication Center's website athttps://www.equinediseasecc.org/Content/ContentDocs/DiseaseFactsheet_Lyme%20Disease%20Cobranded_final%207-1-2020.pdf

And as always, if you have questions on tick control or the diseases they can transmit to your horses, talk to your local horse doctor!

25/04/2022

Euthanasia is never a decision made easily or taken lightly 😔 But it is a decision that 7 out 10 horse owners will have to face at some point.

EQUINE euthanasia is “absolutely” a treatment option and a positive welfare decision, experts agreed, as they spoke on how and when to make the call. Vet Suzanne Green and field officer Penny Baker spoke at a World Horse Welfare webinar on end-of-life decisions on 13 April. Key themes were the i...

30/03/2022

While we are all looking forward to warm spring days and lush green pasture, the transition from winter hay to spring grass should be planned carefully to mitigate any health risks to your horse. In other words — just because your equine friend is not obese or suffering from a nutritionally related disease, doesn’t mean you should just forget about hay entirely and let your horse eat their fill of spring grass.

Feeding high-quality hay is a good way to satisfy a horse’s urge to chew when they can’t graze and provide essential nutrients at the same time. A mature horse will eat 2-2.5% of its body weight per day; roughage should contribute to at least half of this percentage, but most agree forage should be a minimum of 75% of the horse's diet. For a 1,000-pound horse, that means at least 15 pounds of hay each day. This said, please remember that not all horses are made equal, so a horse's total nutritive requirements will ultimately depend on the individual's age, stage of development, metabolism and workload.

Take-home message: Before making any changes to your horse’s diet this spring, consult your veterinarian to determine your equine friend’s current weight/body condition score and to formulate a balanced and nutritious ration that meets your horse’s specific nutritional needs!

25/03/2022

Cushings, cresty neck horses, and metabolic syndrome are often confused. Here’s a simple graphic detailing the differences, and an article describing the dovetailing among the three conditions (PPID, EMS and ID) nicely:

15/03/2022

As we continue to monitor the neurologic form of equine herpesvirus (EHM) infection in California, let's take this opportunity to discuss once more the importance of biosecurity measures to stop disease spread. We recommend the following biosecurity precautions for horse owners, particularly if their horses have recently traveled to horse shows or were exposed to horses that have traveled:

1) Monitor horses for clinical signs (like fever, diarrhea, discharge from the nostrils, coughing, or an increased respiratory rate) and take the temperature twice daily (anything greater than 101.5 is considered a fever).

2) Immediately isolate any horse(s) showing clinical signs.

3) Implement movement restrictions until the situation is evaluated.

4) Contact your veterinarian to evaluate your horse and to propose a comprehensive biosecurity protocol.

5) Increase biosecurity measures that include extensive disinfection of surfaces and equipment that come in contact with affected horses: wash or sanitize your hands between interacting with horses; take time while filling water buckets and feed tubs, do not cross contaminate; minimize the use of shared equipment and tack.

6) Make sure your horse is up to date on vaccinations.

7) Establish communication with all parties involved (owners, boarders, trainers, etc.).

More resources and information regarding biosecurity are available on the Equine Disease Communication Center's website at https://equinediseasecc.org/biosecurity
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To learn more Equine Herpesvirus (EHV), visit https://equinediseasecc.org/disease-information/equine-herpesvirus

21/02/2022

With spring only one month away (!!), it’s not too early to start thinking about a deworming plan for your horses.

If deworming is something you’ve been doing the same way for as long as you can remember, this year we encourage you to break tradition and work with your veterinarian instead to create a targeted plan for each horse. Before you dismiss this notion because you’ve “been doing it for years,” you should know that the old-school approach to deworming is quickly becoming outdated and is also not sustainable — it’s a waste of money AND it builds drug resistance in the parasitic fauna of equines, which means we are running out of drugs that can effectively help us control parasite infections.

There is no single deworming program that suits all horses and all situations. Your veterinarian can help you devise an appropriate strategy based on the number/ages of the horses on the farm, pasture management and your geographic location.
One of the most useful tools in a parasite control program is the f***l egg count — microscopic examination of fresh manure for parasite eggs. This simple test allows your veterinarian to determine which parasites are present and whether the infection is light, moderate, or heavy. This information is important in choosing the right treatment for your horse and in monitoring the efficacy of the dewormer used last.

Finally, don't rely on dewormers alone when it comes to parasite control. As parasites are primarily transferred through manure, good pasture maintenance and management are also necessary.

For more information, the AAEP Parasite Control Guidelines can be found on our website at https://aaep.org/document/internal-parasite-control-guidelines
As always, consult your equine veterinarian to learn more and for questions specific to your horse(s).

18/02/2022

WHO YOU GONNA CALL?

Winter can be rough on your horse's skin. Wet conditions like rain and snow encourage bacteria and other pathogens to grow, and thick winter coats make it easier for conditions to go unnoticed for days or even weeks.

Scratches (AKA, pastern dermatitis), for example, is one of the conditions that can develop when bacteria invade the chapped skin at your horse’s pasterns. The hard, crusty scabs that result from the infection may seem a minor issue at first, but if left untreated they can cause swelling, lameness and even become a chronic condition.

You can treat a mild case of scratches yourself but there are some rules:
Rule No. 1: Don’t try to remove the scabs and apply ointment directly to them.
Rule No. 2: Resist the urge to try remedies you haven’t heard of before, or homemade concoctions suggested by internet strangers.
Rule No. 3: If you don’t know what product to use, ask your vet (see Rule No. 2).
Rule No. 4: If your horse does not improve or develops lameness, call the vet.

Learn more useful tips about what *not* to do for scratches on Equus Magazine's website at https://equusmagazine.com/horse-care/safe-scratches-treatments/

03/02/2022

No one is a fan of stall rest but sometimes it becomes a necessary evil — whether to minimize re-injury and encourage optimum healing, or possibly to keep your horse sheltered from severe weather.

Our friends at Stable Management Magazine have some tips that could help both you and your horse get through stall rest in good spirits. Additional suggestions are available at https://stablemanagement.com/articles/horses-sane-stall-rest-27616